What you must do before you select a vendor?
Many of my clients follow the POST methdology, which is a framework where you first understand the People they’re trying to reach, and how they use social technologies. Then to pick an Objective that aligns with your business, next, spend a considerable amount of time scoping out the Strategy, which includes internal processes, stakeholders, roles, budgets, empowerment, policy, and change management. Once you’ve done that, only then you’re ready to choose a vendor, which is the Technology. As a rule of thumb, successful brands focus about 80% of their efforts on the People, Objectives, and Strategy, and about 20% effort on Technologies –don’t get it backwards.
What is “White Label” Software?
There are software platforms that you can you can use to brand your own nonprofit’s identity and integrate it tightly into your existing domain. The user experience should be near seamless; therefore any company can have their own personalized identity.
Social Networking Goes mainstream
Social networking platforms that can be branded or changed as needed (is where the term ‘white label’ has come from. Two examples are BlogTronix and Ning. Non-profits use white label platforms like Ning to connect with their communities. Churches, Ministries and non-profits use Ning to develop a deeper layer of conversation and engagement with their supporters and advocates. “Their memberships are those that are looking for a more contextual social experience around the things they care about most.”
Now, let’s discuss five (5) tips nonprofits so use if they are considering their own white label community.
Tip 1 – The Cause Is The Purpose
The cause is the purpose of the network. Don’t build a network for your organization’s website. The mission of the site needs to revolve around the general common bond a non-profit has with its stakeholder community.
Example: TuDiabetes.org- The common ground of this white label community is to connect people with diabetes.
Tip 2 – Listen
Listening to your community remains a core social media principle. When considering building a cause or organization-specific network, listening can be critical in driving community requirements for function and content.
Tip 3 – Choose a Platform That Serves Your Community Needs
Some networks enable privacy; others integration with larger networks. Still others offer great information sharing via wikis. When considering the many white label community options available, try to understand what your community’s needs are before setting up shop. Spend time assessing your options for starting a white-label social network. Look for a platform that offers your nonprofit the right combination options that meet your requirements. Such as privacy controls, quality user experience, easy administration and customization, and ongoing support.
Tip 4 – Offer Great Value To Your Network
Many nonprofits make a common mistake by using a network to drive information out into the public as opposed to creating a compelling experience for members. Sometimes that means getting off of the information bandwagon and getting out there providing value includes a dynamic environment where members interact and drive conversation, participate in activity they can’t find on general social networks, and receive acknowledgment.
Nonprofits, remember to key to successful networking is to offer great value
Tip 5 – Use The General Networks As Opportunities or Beachheads
Is it smart to include Twitter and Facebook in your community? Most definitely! Even though you have your own niche social network; engage in LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Not all conversations will be on Twitter, your network or even on your Facebook Fan Page. The key thing here to remember is that PEOPLE WILL HAVE CONVESATIONS WHERE IT IS MOST CONVENIENT TO THEM!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
How To Organize Your Music Using MP3 Managing Software
Can This Be Done?
Figuring out how to organize music files the fastest way used to be tricky. But thanks to mp3 managing software you can sort your music collection in minutes.
Keeping Your Music Organized
Keeping an organized music library is much easier said than done. With the internet being the fastest and easiest place for music downloads, the average music listener's collection contains thousands of songs. And since the majority of these downloads don't take place at reputable sources like the iTunes store or Amazon Mp3 the quality of the mp3 files may be suspect. The chances of downloading music with fully completed and accurate ID3 tags are slim to none.
What Is An ID3 Tag and Who Invented It?
An ID3 tag is a type of meta data container used to store information about an MP3 file within the audio file itself. An ID3 tag allows the creator of a file to embed relevant information like the name of the artist, track title, album, track number and genre in the file, allowing that information to travel with the file. Eric Kemp created the first ID3 tag in 1996.
Fix Mp3 Tags Automatically
This cool new software can automatically fix mp3 tags in a matter of minutes. New technology allows for the program to scan your music files and create acoustic fingerprints, which are in turn matched up with files in the largest online music database ever. After that it's only a matter of downloading the correct ID3 tags to your songs and you are done! Since the software used the "fingerprint" method for identifying songs, it can even fix all your Track 01 and Unknown Artist files as well.
How Mp3 Managing Software Organizes Music Files
Fix Misspelled Songs
Delete Duplicate iTunes Files
Organize Genres
Get Album Artwork
Fully Automated
Quick & Easy Download
If your music collection is a mess and full of "Track 01" and "Unknown Artist" you can fix mp3 tags automatically in minutes!
Fix mislabeled music, download album art, delete iTunes duplicates, and complete missing ID3 tags with the best mp3 managing software on the market. Click the links above or copy and past this url in to your address bar for a full review of the program and its features, complete with a video tutorial on how to use the software.
Where To Download?
Go to http://download.cnet.com/windows/music-management-software/ to read about the myriad of MP3 management softwares. Each listing come with an explanation, user rating, total downloads, and more. Some of the downloads are trial versions with an option to buy.
Figuring out how to organize music files the fastest way used to be tricky. But thanks to mp3 managing software you can sort your music collection in minutes.
Keeping Your Music Organized
Keeping an organized music library is much easier said than done. With the internet being the fastest and easiest place for music downloads, the average music listener's collection contains thousands of songs. And since the majority of these downloads don't take place at reputable sources like the iTunes store or Amazon Mp3 the quality of the mp3 files may be suspect. The chances of downloading music with fully completed and accurate ID3 tags are slim to none.
What Is An ID3 Tag and Who Invented It?
An ID3 tag is a type of meta data container used to store information about an MP3 file within the audio file itself. An ID3 tag allows the creator of a file to embed relevant information like the name of the artist, track title, album, track number and genre in the file, allowing that information to travel with the file. Eric Kemp created the first ID3 tag in 1996.
Fix Mp3 Tags Automatically
This cool new software can automatically fix mp3 tags in a matter of minutes. New technology allows for the program to scan your music files and create acoustic fingerprints, which are in turn matched up with files in the largest online music database ever. After that it's only a matter of downloading the correct ID3 tags to your songs and you are done! Since the software used the "fingerprint" method for identifying songs, it can even fix all your Track 01 and Unknown Artist files as well.
How Mp3 Managing Software Organizes Music Files
Fix Misspelled Songs
Delete Duplicate iTunes Files
Organize Genres
Get Album Artwork
Fully Automated
Quick & Easy Download
If your music collection is a mess and full of "Track 01" and "Unknown Artist" you can fix mp3 tags automatically in minutes!
Fix mislabeled music, download album art, delete iTunes duplicates, and complete missing ID3 tags with the best mp3 managing software on the market. Click the links above or copy and past this url in to your address bar for a full review of the program and its features, complete with a video tutorial on how to use the software.
Where To Download?
Go to http://download.cnet.com/windows/music-management-software/ to read about the myriad of MP3 management softwares. Each listing come with an explanation, user rating, total downloads, and more. Some of the downloads are trial versions with an option to buy.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Mount Holly's Way of the Cross Baptist Church Treasurer & Secretary Embezzled Over $360,000
MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. -- Mount Holly's Way of the Cross Baptist Church held its first Sunday service this weekend since the former members accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars appeared in court.
"It's about like starting all over. God's given us a new beginning," Way of the Cross pastor, the Rev. Bobby Meeks, said.
The church’s former treasurer and secretary, Alan and Linda Roland, appeared in a Gaston County courtroom last week. Over the years, detectives say they embezzled more than $360,000 from the church bank account.
"We found out we didn't have but $1,700, and it was a shock to all of us," said Meeks.
Church leaders had very little to say about the case Sunday except that the focus was on the worship service, one in which Meeks talked about forgiveness.
"I talked to them and just said, ‘just try to love each other and bring unity back in the church,’" he said.
Meeks says his congregation is already in the process of replenishing the money that was taken. He says the ladies of the church raised more than $2,000 through several yard sales and they plan to hold other fundraisers to restore the church account.
"It's about like starting all over. God's given us a new beginning," Way of the Cross pastor, the Rev. Bobby Meeks, said.
The church’s former treasurer and secretary, Alan and Linda Roland, appeared in a Gaston County courtroom last week. Over the years, detectives say they embezzled more than $360,000 from the church bank account.
"We found out we didn't have but $1,700, and it was a shock to all of us," said Meeks.
Church leaders had very little to say about the case Sunday except that the focus was on the worship service, one in which Meeks talked about forgiveness.
"I talked to them and just said, ‘just try to love each other and bring unity back in the church,’" he said.
Meeks says his congregation is already in the process of replenishing the money that was taken. He says the ladies of the church raised more than $2,000 through several yard sales and they plan to hold other fundraisers to restore the church account.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
IRS Announces Deadline for Tax Exemption Revocations
The IRS has finally announced its decision regarding the extension it promised to small charities facing the loss of tax exemption due to not filing Form 990N. Now, small nonprofits have until October 15, 2010 to file Form 990N and preserve their status. The IRS is calling this a one-time offer, so organizations that miss the new, extended deadline will be out of luck. The IRS plans to announce the list of organizations removed from Publication 78 (the definitive list of recognized, tax-exempt organizations) sometime in early 2011. Donors giving to such organizations will be sheltered until the list is published.
For those organizations under the same threat, but needing to file Form 990EZ, they will also get an extension to October 15, but will face a financial penalty.
For those organizations under the same threat, but needing to file Form 990EZ, they will also get an extension to October 15, but will face a financial penalty.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Faith Leaders Back Obama on Immigration Reform
By Jennifer Riley|Christian Post Reporter
President Obama’s call on Thursday for the federal government to quickly pass immigration form was backed by diverse and somewhat unlikely groups of religious leaders.
Related
• Hispanic Evangelical: If Not Immigration Reform Now, When?
• Megachurch Pastor: Public Ahead of Congress on Immigration
• Evangelicals Call for Earned Citizenship for Immigrants, Not Amnesty
• A Moral and Just Response to the Immigration Crisis
• Ariz. Pastor's Worry: Criminalization of Ministry Work
A Joining of Forces
African-American and Hispanic pastors joined forces Wednesday in a first-of-its kind coalition to support comprehensive immigration reform. And on Thursday, conservative, white evangelical leaders attended the American University event in support of the president’s first major speech on immigration. The Rev. Bill Hybels, senior pastor of the 12,000-member Willow Creek Community Church outside of Chicago, introduced President Obama who went on to call Republicans and Democrats to work together to overhaul the country’s broken immigration system.
"The question now is whether we will have the courage and the political will to pass a bill through Congress, to finally get it done," the president said. "I'm ready to move forward, the majority of Democrats are ready to move forward and I believe the majority of Americans are ready to move forward. But the fact is that without bipartisan support, as we had just a few years ago, we cannot solve this problem." "Reform that brings accountability to our immigration system cannot pass without Republican votes," he said, indirectly accusing Republicans of holding up comprehensive immigration reform. Conservative, white evangelicals among the Republican Party’s staunchest supporters. But several of the evangelical community’s most prominent members were in the audience Thursday to support the president and immigration reform.
Roll Call
The Rev. Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals and Dr. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, were in attendance. In May, Anderson and Land were among the conservative, evangelicals that endorsed a statement urging immigration reform that included an earned pathway for undocumented immigrants already in the country. An ad version of the statement ran in “Roll Call,” which is widely read by members of Congress, urging lawmakers to take up the issue. “Let us be clear – an earned pathway to citizenship is not amnesty,” the leaders contended in the statement, addressing the popular criticism. “We reject amnesty. And we ask those who label an earned pathway to citizenship as amnesty to stop politicizing this debate needlessly and to honestly acknowledge the difference.”
Pastors Address Criticisms
African-American and Hispanic pastors also addressed criticisms – mainly that illegal immigrants are taking away jobs from poor black Americans – on Wednesday while publicly rejecting claims of a “black-brown” divide on the issue. “We have come together to dispel the ugly myths about a black and brown divide on immigration reform,” said Derrick Harkins, senior pastor of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., and co-convener of the coalition. “Throughout our history, immigrants have strengthened our country with their hard work and commitment to core American values.”
The African-American and Hispanic Coalition
“Immigrants are not taking our jobs or public resources,” said Harkins. “The reality is that we are unified across ethnic and racial lines. We will not waver as we pursue justice on this human rights issue of our day.” The African-American and Hispanic coalition includes Esperanza for America; the National Baptist Convention, USA; the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and the Progressive National Baptist Convention. There are an estimated 11 to 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. A recent CNN/Opinion Research poll found that 80 percent of Americans support a program to allow illegal immigrants already in the United States to apply for legal residency if they have a job and pay back taxes.
President Obama’s call on Thursday for the federal government to quickly pass immigration form was backed by diverse and somewhat unlikely groups of religious leaders.
Related
• Hispanic Evangelical: If Not Immigration Reform Now, When?
• Megachurch Pastor: Public Ahead of Congress on Immigration
• Evangelicals Call for Earned Citizenship for Immigrants, Not Amnesty
• A Moral and Just Response to the Immigration Crisis
• Ariz. Pastor's Worry: Criminalization of Ministry Work
A Joining of Forces
African-American and Hispanic pastors joined forces Wednesday in a first-of-its kind coalition to support comprehensive immigration reform. And on Thursday, conservative, white evangelical leaders attended the American University event in support of the president’s first major speech on immigration. The Rev. Bill Hybels, senior pastor of the 12,000-member Willow Creek Community Church outside of Chicago, introduced President Obama who went on to call Republicans and Democrats to work together to overhaul the country’s broken immigration system.
"The question now is whether we will have the courage and the political will to pass a bill through Congress, to finally get it done," the president said. "I'm ready to move forward, the majority of Democrats are ready to move forward and I believe the majority of Americans are ready to move forward. But the fact is that without bipartisan support, as we had just a few years ago, we cannot solve this problem." "Reform that brings accountability to our immigration system cannot pass without Republican votes," he said, indirectly accusing Republicans of holding up comprehensive immigration reform. Conservative, white evangelicals among the Republican Party’s staunchest supporters. But several of the evangelical community’s most prominent members were in the audience Thursday to support the president and immigration reform.
Roll Call
The Rev. Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals and Dr. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, were in attendance. In May, Anderson and Land were among the conservative, evangelicals that endorsed a statement urging immigration reform that included an earned pathway for undocumented immigrants already in the country. An ad version of the statement ran in “Roll Call,” which is widely read by members of Congress, urging lawmakers to take up the issue. “Let us be clear – an earned pathway to citizenship is not amnesty,” the leaders contended in the statement, addressing the popular criticism. “We reject amnesty. And we ask those who label an earned pathway to citizenship as amnesty to stop politicizing this debate needlessly and to honestly acknowledge the difference.”
Pastors Address Criticisms
African-American and Hispanic pastors also addressed criticisms – mainly that illegal immigrants are taking away jobs from poor black Americans – on Wednesday while publicly rejecting claims of a “black-brown” divide on the issue. “We have come together to dispel the ugly myths about a black and brown divide on immigration reform,” said Derrick Harkins, senior pastor of the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., and co-convener of the coalition. “Throughout our history, immigrants have strengthened our country with their hard work and commitment to core American values.”
The African-American and Hispanic Coalition
“Immigrants are not taking our jobs or public resources,” said Harkins. “The reality is that we are unified across ethnic and racial lines. We will not waver as we pursue justice on this human rights issue of our day.” The African-American and Hispanic coalition includes Esperanza for America; the National Baptist Convention, USA; the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and the Progressive National Baptist Convention. There are an estimated 11 to 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. A recent CNN/Opinion Research poll found that 80 percent of Americans support a program to allow illegal immigrants already in the United States to apply for legal residency if they have a job and pay back taxes.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Starting a Scholarship Program at your Church
Maybe you are thinking you want to start a scholarship fund. That is a great idea, but the question is: how? Is there any special paperwork that needs to be done with the IRS? How about a scholarship that is for over $600.00? Does the church issue a form 1099-Misc? Did you know that many churches do scholarship programs each summer and not realize that they are violating many charitable regulations that could jeopardize exempt status? Let me share five of the most important steps for setting up a scholarship program.
Five Important Steps in Setting Up a Scholarship Program
1. Ceate a written program that describes the type of scholarships the church will award. Will they be only for Christian college attendance, or for any accredited college? Make sure you also list the maximum dollar amounts you issue each year, semester and whether recipients can receive a scholarship each year if they maintain a certain GPA. This should fit in two pages or less.
2. Make at least one public announcement. One of the biggest shortfalls of church and ministry scholarship programs is failure to announce them. This is a requirement.
3. Present the written program in a board meeting and get it approved. It is necessary that the program be board approved and that at least three individuals be appointed to serve on a selection committee. I know that some people hate committees, but in this case it is a good thing. It helps to prove that the church is objective in selecting recipients.
4. Keep a case history of recipients for at least three years and show how they were selected. To do this, you will need to create an application that asks questions necessary to help you select students who meet the criteria of the program. If any applicants or recipients are related to any individuals on the committee or the board of directors, please be very certain that you implement a written procedure to ensure objectivity.
5. Require that the individual recipients sign an annual statement showing that funds were used towards books or tuition. (This is a form that the church prepares).
Scholarship and Taxes
Under the law, if a student receives a scholarship and it is not used to pay for books or tuition, it becomes taxable income to the student. If the scholarship is for more than $600.00 and it does not get used to pay for their schooling, then the church has to issue form 1099-Misc. to the student.
What the IRS Has to Say About Scholarship Programs
While a scholarship program may be a wonderful way to invest in the lives of the young men and women of your church, do not let it become a stumbling block by violating the five simple steps above. The amendment of the regulation of section 7611 was approved in February this year and the IRS will once again begin church audits. When the IRS begins church audits this fall, it will be with renewed vigor. Be ready by ensuring that you maintain good, clear and adequate records.
Five Important Steps in Setting Up a Scholarship Program
1. Ceate a written program that describes the type of scholarships the church will award. Will they be only for Christian college attendance, or for any accredited college? Make sure you also list the maximum dollar amounts you issue each year, semester and whether recipients can receive a scholarship each year if they maintain a certain GPA. This should fit in two pages or less.
2. Make at least one public announcement. One of the biggest shortfalls of church and ministry scholarship programs is failure to announce them. This is a requirement.
3. Present the written program in a board meeting and get it approved. It is necessary that the program be board approved and that at least three individuals be appointed to serve on a selection committee. I know that some people hate committees, but in this case it is a good thing. It helps to prove that the church is objective in selecting recipients.
4. Keep a case history of recipients for at least three years and show how they were selected. To do this, you will need to create an application that asks questions necessary to help you select students who meet the criteria of the program. If any applicants or recipients are related to any individuals on the committee or the board of directors, please be very certain that you implement a written procedure to ensure objectivity.
5. Require that the individual recipients sign an annual statement showing that funds were used towards books or tuition. (This is a form that the church prepares).
Scholarship and Taxes
Under the law, if a student receives a scholarship and it is not used to pay for books or tuition, it becomes taxable income to the student. If the scholarship is for more than $600.00 and it does not get used to pay for their schooling, then the church has to issue form 1099-Misc. to the student.
What the IRS Has to Say About Scholarship Programs
While a scholarship program may be a wonderful way to invest in the lives of the young men and women of your church, do not let it become a stumbling block by violating the five simple steps above. The amendment of the regulation of section 7611 was approved in February this year and the IRS will once again begin church audits. When the IRS begins church audits this fall, it will be with renewed vigor. Be ready by ensuring that you maintain good, clear and adequate records.
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